In 2024, the market value of plant-based meat substitutes worldwide was estimated to be worth ***** billion U.S. dollars. This figure is estimated to steadily increase over the coming years and reach roughly ***** billion in 2028. Meat substitutes Meat substitutes are plant-based products that try to emulate meat products in taste, texture, smell, and appearance. These alternatives exist in a high variety of forms, like the diversity of meat products they are imitating. Plant-based products have achieved a strong position in the market and are now a mainstay in many grocery stores around the world. Currently, over *** million kilograms of meat substitutes are consumed globally. Consumer adoption varies significantly across the globe. *******, ********, and *************** show the highest rate of regular consumption of meat substitutes among their populations.Meat Substitutes in the United StatesIn the United States, meat substitutes get regularly consumed by ** percent of consumers. To put this number into perspective, a comparison to other products is useful. In the same survey, about ** percent of consumers stated that they regularly consume bread and bakery products, and the same share of respondents eat potatoes regularly. Both categories show regular consumption levels of around **** times the level of meat substitutes. In total, the market in the U.S. alone generates an annual revenue of *** billion U.S. dollars.

The global meat alternative market is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 18.8 billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach a value of US$ 299 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 28.8% over the assessment period.

Country-wise Insights

Category-wise Insights

The Meat Substitutes Market is segmented by Type (Tempeh, Textured Vegetable Protein, Tofu), by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade) and by Region (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America). Market value in USD and market volume in tonnes are presented. Key data points observed include production and price.

The composition of the meat and meat alternatives market is expected to rapidly change in the coming decades. Beginning with a market that is dominated by regular meat products in 2025, to a market where these products make up only a minority of available products in 2040. The 2040 market is expected to roughly consist of ** percent regular meat products, ** percent cultured meat or lab-grown meat products, and ** percent vegan meat alternatives. It should be noted that the first cultured meat products have been approved for sale in Singapore at the end of 2020.

The global volume in the 'Meat Substitutes' segment of the food market was forecast to continuously increase between 2025 and 2030 by in total ***** thousand tons (+***** percent). After the tenth consecutive increasing year, the volume is estimated to reach ****** thousand tons and therefore a new peak in 2030. Notably, the volume of the 'Meat Substitutes' segment of the food market was continuously increasing over the past years.Find other key market indicators concerning the average consumption per capita and revenue growth.The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

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Meat Substitutes Market Size 2025-2029

The meat substitutes market size is forecast to increase by USD 12.28 billion at a CAGR of 18.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing research and development efforts in creating alternative protein sources. Soya chunks, Hot Dogs, and Veggie burgers are popular choices, with Canola oil and other nutrients enhancing their nutritional value. New product launches are a key driver in this market, as companies seek to cater to the rising demand for sustainable and ethical food options. However, the relatively high price point of meat substitutes remains a challenge for market penetration. Consumers, particularly those in developing economies, may find these alternatives less accessible due to cost.
Companies looking to capitalize on this market should focus on innovation and affordability, aiming to create products that meet consumer demand while remaining competitive in pricing. Additionally, partnerships and collaborations between industry players and research institutions could lead to breakthroughs in technology and production methods, further driving market growth. Convenience stores and Mini markets cater to the demand for Shelf-stable and Low-fat protein options. Despite this obstacle, the potential for growth is substantial, as the global population continues to increase and concerns over animal welfare and environmental sustainability become more prevalent.

What will be the Size of the Meat Substitutes Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market is experiencing significant growth as diets focusing on plant-based options gain popularity due to health concerns and animal welfare considerations. Plant-based chicken, pork, fish, and beef alternatives are increasingly preferred by consumers seeking to reduce their intake of animal products. These substitutes offer similar nutrition value, including essential minerals like iron and calcium, making them suitable for individuals dealing with health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Next meats, such as soy milk, bean curd, tofu, and cooked soybeans, are popular choices due to their high protein content and versatility.
Crumbles and grounds derived from these sources provide texture and taste comparable to their animal counterparts. Plant-based fish alternatives, like soybean curd, offer a solution for those dealing with digestive problems. The Good Food Institute reports that the market for plant-based meat substitutes is expanding, with companies like Novameat and vegan meat India leading the way. The shift towards plant-based options is driven by health concerns related to non-communicable diseases and the ethical implications of intensive animal farming. Plant-based burgers, patties, and other meat substitute products cater to this growing demand, offering consumers a viable alternative to traditional animal products.

How is this Meat Substitutes Industry segmented?

The meat substitutes industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Retail
  Foodservice


Product Type

  Soy-based
  Wheat-based
  Mycoprotein-based
  Others


Form Factor

  Solid
  Liquid


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    The Netherlands
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The retail segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The Plant-based patties segment experiences significant growth in the retail sector due to shifting consumer preferences, health concerns, and environmental awareness. Traditional grocery stores and supermarkets expand their offerings, stocking a diverse range of high-quality meat substitute products. Diabetes patients and those managing their weight seek out Plant-based Chicken, Meatballs, and Fish alternatives. Health-conscious buyers prefer Iron-rich liquid and Meatloaf formulations, while Vegetarian and Vegan lifestyles fuel the demand for Soybean curd, Tofu, and Quorn. Lab-grown meat, Mycoprotein, and Cereal grains cater to the flexitarian and functional ingredient markets.

Fiber, Antioxidants, and essential amino acids are crucial components in these products, addressing health issues like Heart disease and Non-communicable diseases. Plant-based protein manufacturers innovate with Pea, Rice, and Wheat protein, while customization and moisture retention are essential for Foodservice and Food product a

During a survey in April 2023, just over a third of respondents stated that they consumed meat substitutes but would not consider their consumption to be regular. Over a quarter stated that they have never consumed plant-based meat substitutes and do not want to.

Producers of meat alternatives enjoyed growth as they capitalized on growing consumer trends, like health consciousness and moving away from meat products in general, accounting for environmental and cost-based decisions. Perhaps most notably, producers have exhibited substantial growth as new companies began operating and competing with one another to satisfy growing consumer demand. Relatively stable exports have bolstered producers' performance, while import volumes have climbed. Industry-wide revenue, however, has been dropping at a CAGR of 1.4% over the past five years and is expected to total $2.5 billion in 2024, when revenue will dip by an estimated 0.6%. Retailers remain the primary source of growth for producers of meat alternatives. Nonetheless, producers have faced difficulty in selling refrigerated meat alternatives. Frozen sales have been a boon to producers, particularly in 2020 amid the outbreak of COVID-19 when consumers stockpiled frozen meat alternatives. Producers of meat alternatives have expanded into food service establishments but have struggled in fast food markets. Beyond Meat has faced challenges in this market with the lackluster performance of its McPlant burger and other fast food chains selling the company’s products at a discount. Climbing input prices and research and development costs have led to volatile profit as producers look to keep prices competitive with traditional meat. Meat alternative producers will enjoy low growth over the outlook period. The declining value of the US dollar will promote export growth and domestic companies ramping up production will reduce import penetration. Innovations in 3-D printing will enable producers to offer a more diverse product line. Still, developments in lab-grown meats will threaten producers as these meats are less expensive to produce and have a lower environmental impact. Lower input and research and development costs will enable profit to remain relatively steady through the end of 2029. While meat alternative producers will enjoy growth, they will face difficulties with the poor performance of refrigerated meat alternatives and consumers questioning the health benefits of some products. Revenue is forecast to inch up at a CAGR of 0.6% over the next five years to reach an estimated $2.6 billion in 2029.

The India Plant Based Meat Alternatives Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Tempeh, Textured Vegetable Protein, Tofu, and Other Meat Substitutes) and Distribution Channel (Off-Trade and On-Trade). The Report Offers the Market Size in Value Terms in USD for all the Abovementioned Segments.

The meat substitutes market size was estimated at USD 10.46 billion in 2024. The meat substitutes industry is expected to grow from USD 12.86 billion in 2025 to USD 101.92 billion by 2035. The meat substitutes market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 23.0% during the forecast period (2025 to 2035).

Semi-Annual Market Update

Analyzing Top Countries Producing, Formulating, Distributing, and Supplying Meat Substitutes Market

The Europe Meat Substitutes Market is segmented by Type (Tempeh, Textured Vegetable Protein, Tofu), by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade) and by Country (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom). Market value in USD and market volume in tonnes are presented. Key data points observed include production and price.

BCC market research report for meat alternatives. Estimation of the market size and analyses of global market trends, with data from 2019, estimates for 2020 and projections of CAGRs through 2025.

The India Meat Substitutes Market is segmented by Type (Tempeh, Textured Vegetable Protein, Tofu) and by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade). Market value in USD and market volume in tonnes are presented. Key data points observed include production and price.

The India plant-based meat alternatives market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 557.98 Million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for plant-based meat alternatives due to rising health awareness, environmental concerns, and animal welfare issues. Moreover, the growing vegan and vegetarian population, along with the launch of innovative and flavorful plant-based meat products, is further propelling market expansion. Key trends shaping the market include the emergence of hybrid and clean-label products, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations among market players. Companies are focusing on developing products that mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat products, making them more appealing to a wider consumer base. Additionally, the expansion of distribution channels, such as e-commerce platforms and specialty retail stores, is providing increased accessibility to plant-based meat alternatives, driving market growth. Recent developments include: September 2024: Vezlay Foods teamed up with the Catchy Court app to enhance accessibility to its plant-based offerings. Through this partnership with Catchy Court, a rising marketplace app known for delivering premium food products directly to consumers, Vezlay Foods guarantees that its top-tier plant-based meals and snacks are just a click away.July 2024: Vezlay Foods rolled out its latest offering: Vezlay Crispy Veg Chicken. This new product is designed to entice not just vegetarians and vegans, but also those looking to cut back on meat without compromising on taste.July 2024: Spice Grill Flame (SGF) India, a vegetarian restaurant chain, unveiled a fresh vegan menu featuring two distinct categories: 100% Plant-Based Protein and Vegan.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Vegan Population, Focus On Animal Welfare. Potential restraints include: Rising Vegan Population, Focus On Animal Welfare. Notable trends are: Textured Vegetable Protein Is A Preferred Choice In Plant Based Meat Products.

In 2022, the meat substitute market value in South Korea stood at around *** billion South Korean won. The market for plant-based substitutes food has grown throughout the last years and was expected to grow more. Soy-based products accounted for the majority of plant-based alternatives in 2020 and were forecast to expand this lead. What are South Korean consumers' reasons for eating meat alternatives? While there was growing interest in vegetarian and vegan diets, as seen in the rapid growth of the South Korean vegan population, most consumers were interested in plant-based products for health benefits and helping them lose weight. Among consumers of the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z), concerns about the environment and animal welfare were the leading reasons for choosing meat substitutes. Consumption behavior The plant-based substitute food products consumers have tried the most in South Korea were mainly products that were originally consumed as dairy products, with milk alternatives being far ahead of all other products. According to a survey, only around *********** people has tried meat substitutes. If people were consuming plant-based products, they were doing so rather frequently, as more than **** of all respondents stated they consumed such food at least several times a month. Another survey identified that on average, people spent around ************ South Korean won on vegan food products per purchase.

Comparing the 20 selected regions regarding the revenue in the 'Meat Substitutes' segment of the food market, China is leading the ranking (*** billion U.S. dollars) and is followed by the United States with *** billion U.S. dollars. At the other end of the spectrum is Australia with ***** million U.S. dollars, indicating a difference of *** billion U.S. dollars to China. Find other insights concerning similar markets and segments, such as a ranking of subsegments in Vietnam regarding out-of-home revenue in the Food market as a whole and a ranking by country regarding revenue in the baby food segment of the food market.The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

In 2023, during a survey in the United Kingdom, 39 percent of plant-based meat consumers stated that a reason that they consume plant-based meat is the perceived health benefits. Another 17 percent of respondents stated environmental reasons as a motivation.

In 2022, Germany was Europe's leading plant-based meat substitutes market, with sales of over *** million euros. The market size of the United Kingdom was roughly *** million euros. By comparison, sales of meat substitutes in Romania reached around *** million euros. Meat substitute market in EuropeMeat substitutes are vegetarian alternatives that typically approximate certain aesthetic qualities (such as texture, flavor, appearance) or chemical characteristics of specific types of meat. Many substitutes are soy-based (e.g., tofu, tempeh) or grain-based, but may also be made from peas or other plant-based sources. The German market has been growing fast. The sales of plant-based meat products in Germany increased by nearly ** percent in 2020, while those in the UK increased by approximately ** percent. Even after the pandemic, growth in Germany is expected to be in the double digits until 2027. Vegetarianism in EuropeThe largest share of non-meat eaters in Europe can be found in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, with approximately ** percent of the population, respectively. Eastern European countries have the lowest share, with shares ranging between **** and ***** percent. In 2021, the main reason for vegetarianism among women in Germany was "animal well-being", while men favored "sustainability." In Belgium, nearly ** percent of respondents stated that they consume meat substitutes about once a week or more often.

Vietnam Meat Substitutes Market was valued at USD 39.72 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 68.74 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.57%.

The Global Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Market Size Was Worth USD 7.2 Million in 2023 and Is Expected To Reach USD 35.7 Million by 2032, CAGR of 19.5%.